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Media Release

Calling for Interested Trades People

Trades people and installers are being sought for work on a major $6m domestic solar power project coming to the New England.

The Solar New England Region Project is the first major initiative coming out of the New England Sustainability Strategy and aims to install 400 grid connected solar systems to homeowners.

“The Solar Region Project is a significant opportunity for local trades people to get work and training in residential solar power installations,” says Adam Blakester, convenor of the New England Sustainability Strategy Executive (nicknamed NESSiE).

The Solar Region Project uses a ‘community clustering’ model to achieve significant reductions in the price of systems to householders. For households entitled to the Australian Government rebate these savings can be as much as 60% of the average retail price. The low solar power system cost is achieved through the power of community and partnerships: by clustering together installations, buying in bulk and working with local organisations and networks to promote the project.

TAFE are hosting training and accreditation for interested trades people in the week beginning 15 December, and recruitment for course participants is taking place right now.

“TAFE New England Institute is supporting the Solar Region Project by providing training and accreditation to electricians, apprentices and other relevant trades,” says Blair Chalmers, Campus Operations Manager. “This is the first time the training has been offered in NSW by TAFE and the New England Institute is pleased to be continuing to take leadership in supporting training and vocational pathways in emerging sustainable industries and markets.”

The Solar Region Project is being coordinated by AusEnergy, a national solar power specialist company. Trades people interested can get further details by contacting Jamie Reardon, Managing Director of AusEnergy on 1300 785 009, 0415 852 996 or ua.moc.ygrenesua|eimaj#ua.moc.ygrenesua|eimaj.

New England home owners interested in the solar system package can find out more at www.ausenergy.com.au.

A public launch of the Solar New England Region Project will be held at Armidale Town Hall at 11am on Wednesday 10 December.